In 1993, the year that Potomac Mills Mall expanded, the mall was named the state of Virginia's top tourist destination. That certainly says a lot, considering that it beat out Arlington National Cemetery, George Washington's Mount Vernon, Thomas Jefferson's Monticello and the always popular Virginia Beach to earn that distinction.
Potomac Mills is a suburban community in close proximity to Potomac Mills Mall (which is technically across I-95 in Woodbridge
In 1993, the year that Potomac Mills Mall expanded, the mall was named the state of Virginia's top tourist destination. That certainly says a lot, considering that it beat out Arlington National Cemetery, George Washington's Mount Vernon, Thomas Jefferson's Monticello and the always popular Virginia Beach to earn that distinction.
Potomac Mills is a suburban community in close proximity to Potomac Mills Mall (which is technically across I-95 in Woodbridge.) But can you blame mall owners for using the name Potomac Mills as a moniker? This quaint, affordable, bedroom community conjures up images of the American Dream realized.
Whether you want to live close to shopping (which may well equal being close to your job) or off the beaten path, where you can step outside and take a stroll on a shady nature trail, you'll find your ideal spot in Potomac Mills. At last official count (the 2010 Census), Potomac Mills had 5,614 residents. Before you hit the pavement in search of your next home sweet home there are things you should know before you go.
Traffic Can be a Bear (but Doesn't Have to be)
House, apartment, condo, townhouse, duplex -- what floats your boat? One thing you'll want to carefully consider before signing on the dotted line is that half the Potomac Mills population commutes 34 minutes plus to work. That's not terrible. But the "or more" part could certainly come back to bite you if you're not careful.
If you plan to work in the local area, living near the Prince William Parkway (which provides quick access to the I-95 corridor) and I-66 or near the Virginia Railway Express station may not be such a big deal. But if you'll be one of the many residents who make the 20-mile,or so, car commute each way into the D.C. area, you'll want to save every minute of drive time that you possibly can and live close to these highways.
Sign on the Dotted Line
Besides showing up with a commuting strategy and a map, be ready to pay first-month's rent (sometimes first and last at the swankier joints), a security deposit and a pet deposit if you have a furry friend. Larger apartment complexes usually perform a credit check and sometimes a criminal background check before they'll let you in. Individual landlords tend to rely more on first impressions. You don't need to wear your Sunday best, but shoes and shirts are sure to get you better service when you set out looking for places to live in Potomac Mills.
Because Potomac Mills is a suburb of nearby Woodbridge, it does not have typical neighborhood distinctions common in larger cities. Many of its larger apartment and townhouse complexes are similar to neighborhoods, though, in the sense that they provide communal gathering spaces, pools, green spaces and occasional special events for residents.
Rental apartments are in good supply in Potomac Mills, because so many people want to live in the area because of its excellent, central location. The Potomac Mills area also is very popular for older students (think grad students who actually spend more time studying than bar-hopping.) Most of the established rental communities offer nice two bedroom apartments for rent, which are ideal for roommates.
Home rentals also abound in the area, and typically appeal to those who need or want more space and a yard of their own. How much does a house rent for? As you will quickly learn when you begin searching for a place to live, it runs the gamut, depending on size, location and condition.
If you relish retail therapy and/or an abundance of dining and entertainment options, you'll probably spend many a weekend strolling the vast Potomac Mills mall. Virginia's largest outlet mall, Potomac Mills Mall is actually a destination for many people who travel from miles away and stay in hotels so they can explore the mall's 200-plus stores. And lucky you -- living in Potomac Mills, you're minutes away! Another huge benefit of living near the mall is that jobs are plentiful -- within the mall, and within the nearby hotels, restaurants, and attractions that cater to the steady flow of mall visitors.
But Potomac Mills/Woodbridge has much more to offer than the mall. A short hop from D.C., you'll have easy access to the endless attractions of our nation's capital, without dealing with beltway traffic on a daily basis. The Occoquan Bay National Wildlife Refuge and Leesylvania State Park, on the Potomac River, are nearby. And for you sports fans, get your game face on. You'll have front row seats to Potomac Nationals minor league baseball games (the team is based in your city!)
Potomac Mills living provides easy access to all of the amenities, and pretty much any retail shop you could want, a naturally beautiful setting and proximity to world-class culture.
